Jesus gave a variety of signs/events that had to happen prior the start of the Great Tribulation in Matthew 24. Not only have many not happened, a preceding event in Daniel 9:27 involving the confirmation of a seven-year deal still has not happened. Since it did not happen as of July 2013, this means that it is not possible for the Great Tribulation to begin for at least 3 1/2 years (half of a biblically-prophetic week).

At this instant, unless we see more major conflict in the Middle East between now and the end of the Summer, it is unlikely that the Great Tribulation can begin prior to 2018.

The Great Tribulation is coming, but it will not begin in 2013. And, as I announced shortly after Barack Obama was re-elected, I do not believe that it can begin prior to 2017.